Standing repair of short frontal plane fractures involving the dorsoproximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx in six Thoroughbred racehorses.
Abstract: To describe a technique and report outcomes for internal fixation of short frontal-plane fractures involving the dorsoproximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx (P1) in standing horses. Methods: Short case series. Methods: Six Thoroughbred racehorses with short, frontal plane fractures involving the dorsoproximal P1. Methods: All fractures were located in the hindlimb. Horses presented with moderate lameness and marked effusion of the affected metatarsophalangeal joint. Fractures had a medial bias extending from the central aspect of proximal P1 to involve the dorsomedial prominence. Fractures were repaired under standing sedation, local anesthesia and radiographic guidance using a single 3.5 mm self-tapping cortical screw placed in lag fashion. Results: Surgery was postponed by 24 h for one patient due to excessive movement during surgical preparation. The mean proximo-distal length of the radiographically apparent fracture plane was 23 mm (range: 19-28 mm). Mean time for screw placement was 13 min (range: 9-21 min). In five horses, postoperative radiographs were acquired and indicated resolution of the fracture plane. All horses raced postoperatively. The mean time from surgery to first race was 205 days (range: 144-284 days) and mean number of starts was 21 (range: 9-37). No complications were reported relating to the repair method. Conclusions: Standing internal fixation of short, incomplete frontal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx, using a 3.5 mm self-tapping cortical screw, is a feasible method of repair. The technique should be viewed as an advanced standing fracture repair.
© 2025 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Publication Date: 2025-04-26 PubMed ID: 40285436DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14265Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research outlines a technique for repairing certain types of fractures in the bones of a racehorse’s hind limb. The researchers found that these injuries can be treated while the horse remains standing using a small screw, with recovery times allowing the animals to return to racing within an average of 205 days.
Objective of the Study
- This study aims to report the outcomes of a technique for the internal fixation of short frontal-plane fractures. This involves the dorsoproximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx (P1) in horses, performed while the horse is standing.
Methods Used
- Six Thoroughbred racehorses, all with short frontal plane fractures in the hindlimb, were included in the study.
- All the fractures were located in the hindlimb and exhibited moderate lameness and visible swelling of the affected joint.
- The researchers used radiographic guidance, standing sedation, and local anesthesia to place a single 3.5mm self-tapping cortical screw in the fractured bone to facilitate healing.
Results of the Study
- In one case, surgery was delayed by 24 hours due to too much movement from the horse during surgical preparation.
- The average length of the visibly fractured plane was 23mm. The average time taken to place the screw was 13 minutes.
- In five out of six cases, postoperative radiographs indicated that the fracture had healed successfully.
- All the horses were able to participate in races postoperatively, with the average time from surgery to the first race being 205 days.
- The average number of starts post-surgery was 21, with no reported complications related to the repair method.
Conclusion
- The study concluded that standing internal fixation of short, incomplete frontal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx using a 3.5mm self-tapping cortical screw is a viable repair method.
- This technique should be considered as an advanced standing fracture repair method, given its efficacy and the lack of complications related to its use.
Cite This Article
APA
Drahonovska A, Bladon BM, O'Neill HD.
(2025).
Standing repair of short frontal plane fractures involving the dorsoproximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx in six Thoroughbred racehorses.
Vet Surg, 54(5), 1009-1015.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14265 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery, Newbury, Berkshire, UK.
- Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery, Newbury, Berkshire, UK.
- Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery, Newbury, Berkshire, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
- Bone Screws / veterinary
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / veterinary
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
- Male
- Female
- Treatment Outcome
- Hindlimb / surgery
- Hindlimb / injuries
- Horse Diseases / surgery
References
This article includes 19 references
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